--- title: "Mastering the Terminology of ABA: A Guide for Parents" description: If you are a parent of a child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s important that you take the time to learn about applied behavior analysis (ABA). image: https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Mastering%20the%20Terminology%20of%20ABA.jpg --- [![SSG Group Brand](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheSteppingStonesGroup_February2021/images/SSG_logo.png?width=1640&height=421&name=SSG_logo.png "SSG Group Brand")](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Home](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Careers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/) - [Search Open Jobs](https://jobs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Quick Apply](https://steppingstones.careercenter.smartsearch.plus/registration/) - [Transforming Support](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/professional-development/) - [Travel & Transform](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/travel/) - [Refer a friend](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/referral-program/) - [Parents](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/) - [Schools](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/schools/) - [Telepractice](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/telepractice/) - [Referrers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/referrers/) - [About SSG](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/about/) - [Our Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/services/) - [Our Story](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/) - [Meet Our Team](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/#leadership_team) - [Contact](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/contact/) ![](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Mastering%20the%20Terminology%20of%20ABA.jpg) # Mastering the Terminology of ABA: A Guide for Parents Wed, Oct 12, 2022 [![Share on facebook](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/mastering-the-terminology-of-aba-a-guide-for-parents&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/mastering-the-terminology-of-aba-a-guide-for-parents&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/mastering-the-terminology-of-aba-a-guide-for-parents&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/mastering-the-terminology-of-aba-a-guide-for-parents&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/mastering-the-terminology-of-aba-a-guide-for-parents&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hub/7528315/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/mastering-the-terminology-of-aba-a-guide-for-parents&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/mastering-the-terminology-of-aba-a-guide-for-parents&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) If you are a parent of a child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s important that you take the time to learn about [applied behavior analysis](https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-0) (ABA). ABA is an empirically validated treatment for autism. It focuses on teaching functional skills and addressing challenging behaviors that may be impacting your child’s ability to learn and navigate his environment. When you read about ABA, you’re likely to encounter a lot of unfamiliar words and terminologies. Here are some of the terms you may see:   **ABC data**  This is a type of data collection frequently used to identify the possible function of your child’s behavior. In other words, trying to understand the reason why a behavior is taking place and what is maintaining this behavior. A stands for antecedent, or what happens before a behavior. B stands for the behavior itself. C stands for the consequence that follows.   **Comorbidity**  This word refers to an additional condition a person is diagnosed with, in addition to a primary condition. For instance, children with ASD may frequently be diagnosed with epilepsy as well.   ***DSM***  *DSM* stands for the *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*. This manual is widely used around the world to classify mental and developmental disorders.   **Intervention**  This term is simply used to mean any action that is taken to change a particular behavior.   **Mand**  A mand is a volitional request, with the intent of wanting the item. For example, a child saying “ball” because he wants the ball, as opposed to saying “ball” because he sees a ball.   **Prompt**  A prompt is something you provide to a child to help him or her perform a particular behavior. A prompt can come in many different forms and vary in how intrusive they are. They can range from physical prompts to simple indirect verbal prompts.    **Transitions**  This term is used to refer to switching from one activity to another or moving from one setting to another. Challenging behaviors are often observed during transitions, especially when going from a preferred activity to a less preferred activity.   **Inflexibility**  Children with autism may often have a difficult time with an overall change in routine. Some children have very specific routines that in the event of any slight deviation, it may be a cause for an intense meltdown.   support your child’s current needs.    Tags: [Autism](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/tag/autism), [ASD](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/tag/asd) [Back to Blog](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices) Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, research, and opinions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified professional or expert before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this blog. ## Related Articles ##### [Tips for Discussing ASD with Extended Family Members and Friends](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/tips-for-discussing-asd-with-extended-family-members-and-friends) If you have a child who has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder—or ASD—you may be... [Read More](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/tips-for-discussing-asd-with-extended-family-members-and-friends) ##### [What Makes an ASD Treatment Evidence-Based?](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/what-makes-an-asd-treatment-evidence-based) If you have a child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), then you probably already know how... [Read More](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/what-makes-an-asd-treatment-evidence-based) ##### [Who Should Be Screened for ASD?](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/who-should-be-screened-for-asd) If you are concerned that your child may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), your first step... [Read More](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/en/autismservices/who-should-be-screened-for-asd) #### For Job Seekers - [Search Jobs](https://jobs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Quick Apply](https://jobs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/jobs/search#quickapply) - [Careers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/) - [New Graduates](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/a-position-with-a-purpose/) - [Telepractice Jobs](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/telepractice/) - [Travel Opportunities](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/travel/) - [Professional Development](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/professional-development/) - [Refer a Friend](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/referral-program/) #### For Parents - [Get Started](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/#parents_map) - [ABA Parent Education](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/aba-parent-education) - [Autism Therapy Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/autism-therapy-services) - [Autism Diagnostic Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/autism-diagnostic-services) - [Center-based ABA Therapy](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/center-based-aba-therapy) - [At-home ABA Therapy](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/at-home-aba-therapy) #### For Schools - [Staffing Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/schools/#list_of_services) - [University Relations](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/university-relations/) - [Mental Health Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/schools/mental-health-services) - [Telepractice](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/telepractice/) - [Blog](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [FAQ / Resources](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/faqs/) #### For SSG Info - [About SSG](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/about/) - [Our Story](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/) - [Company News](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/company-news) - [Stepping Up For A Cause](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/giving-back/) - [Contact Us](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/contact/) - [Blog](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Health Transparency in Coverage (MRF)](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/cigna-machine-readable-files/) [Twitter](http://twitter.com/ssg_careers) [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/ssg_therapy) [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/ssgcareers)